Friday, October 31, 2008

Living, loving and writing the Beer Life

Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion. -- Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

I started this blog because I'm passionate about beer. I love everything about the "elixir of the gods" -- the culture, the history, the camaraderie... and yes, its glorious ability to act as a delectable social lubricant.

But I love to write even more than I love to drink a good craft beer (or play a great video game). When asked what my one, true passion is (other than my wife of course)... I always answer: "writing." Lord Byron, the 19th century poet, said it best: "If I don't write to empty my mind, I go mad." And I probably would. Not the clock tower/high powered rifle mad mind you. Writing acts as a release valve for me, and oddly enough... a different form of social lubricant that oils up the squeaky cogs of my "mad" brain.

I'm a writer. And after years of wordsmithing I think I've reached the point where I can call myself that without it sounding odd (to me) or egotistical (to everyone else). It's what I am, not what I do. I know that because I'm most happy when I'm writing... about anything. Well, almost anything. I probably wouldn't be too passionate about the lifestyles of the broke and infamous, but... ya never know. In the past I've written about George Lucas' Star Wars and PC video games, and I'm sure I'll eventually stumble onto some other topic that will "light my fire." At the end of the day it always boils down to one thing for me: passion.

I've always thought of "writers" as mythical beings, and I really do believe that "the pen is mightier than the sword." Writers have the power to make people cry, rejoice, rebel, change and even create nations. There is no limit to what a great writer can do... as long as they have passion. Sadly, any Tom, Dick, or Jane with the ability to turn on a computer can "write" about their cat (or their inanely boring life) through a blog. And because of this the luster of being a real "writer" seems to have faded to some degree. See, most of them don't have passion.

But I digress... what the hell am I getting at?

Over the years I've run into a number of "colleagues" that are jaded as the day is long. Why? They've lost their passion. I refuse to let myself become jaded. Hell, I still get giddy when -- no matter how big or small -- someone asks to profile me, or use one of my quotes, or tells me that I'm "relevant," or that my blog has made it onto a "best of" list... as was the case yesterday when the folks at the Culinary School Guide informed me that this lil blog o' mine made it onto their 100 Best Beer and Wine Blogs. All that stuff is not only very humbling, but -- even more than the money -- validates every single letter I've ever written.

A lot of great things have happened since I started this blog. I look at this space as my lucky charm. Furthermore, my life is richer for it. Writing, like all things, requires constant practice, and banging away here in my little corner of the blogosphere has not only opened doors to things I never thought possible, but has helped me perfect my craft. More importantly, it has introduced me to a brewery full of new friends.

It is said that the craft beer community -- top to bottom -- has a camaraderie unlike any other. Having experienced it personally time and time again, I can attest to the truthfulness of that statement. There really is nothing like it anywhere else, and it is my sincerest desire that the global wave of popularity craft beer is riding right now doesn't ever ruin that.

So thanks very much to all my friends, and all the people who keep coming back for more beer madness. The word "appreciate" doesn't even begin to describe my heartfelt gratitude! Oh, and thanks for letting me indulge in a little self reflection with this post. Now... let's get back to drinkin' some damn fine beer shall we?!

Beer is the elixir of the gods. A refreshing beverage made of hops, barley and a pantheon of other delicacies that when looked at properly - through beer goggles perhaps, has quite literally changed the entire course of human history.

Confession is good for the soul... along with a good beer or two. Come join me in the confessional, won't you?

Since 2007 Eli Shayotovich has been writing about the craft beer world for various online and print publications. Besides writing this beer blog, he serves as the Colorado Springs Beer Examiner, writes the "Lower Front Range" column for the Rocky Mountain Brewing News and is the VP of Content & Programming for Beer Tap TV. Needless to say, when he's not imbibing great craft beer, he's writing or talking about it somewhere.

Grab the BBbarfly now!

Get yourself armed for beer-fu!

When you drink... Drinkwel!

You know I'm not a shill. So if I endorse a product it's because I've personally tried it out and know that it works. Like all things, results may vary, but I can tell you that Drinkwel works great for me!
Formulated by a Ph.D in Biomedical Science and a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, this 30-ingredient multivitamin is full of stuff that combats dehydration and replenishes nutrients, supports healthy liver function, and helps process the toxins associated with drinking alcohol.
If you've been looking for something that really does get rid of that awful hangover... Drinkwel is what you've been searching for! Give it a try and see if you don't feel fantastic after a night of chugging kegs of good brew. Cheers!

Beer Quote of the Day

"Beer is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy," is a quote that's been widely attributed to Benjamin Franklin. However, Ben never actually uttered this line. Ole Ben actually loved wine, not beer. In a letter to his friend, Andre Morellet Franklin said: “Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards; there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine; a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy.”

Brewery of the Moments

The Lost Abbey in San Marcos, California, has many inspired beers for saints and sinners alike. If you haven't had any of their beers... find some!

Liquid Engineering

If there's one thing I like almost as much as beer, it's a good Bloody Mary. Which usually goes hand in hand the morning after drinking beer. Or days that end in "y." With that... this lil segment will host the best of the best recipes for that favorite hangover elixir.At the Blind Tiger Alehouse you can get Louise's Famous Bloody Beer, which is the bar's version of a Bloody Mary. Instead of vodka, Louise's uses a strong ale, plus tomato juice and secret spices. It is garnished with celery, olives, pickles and other treats.

The Mark Bar serves a mean Michelada. The cocktail is similar to a Bloody Mary, but it's made with Mexican beer instead of Russian Vodka.

Mix all ingredients, except vodka, together. Then blend two ounces of vodka with six ounces of the mix and pour into an 8-ounce glass. This recipe should render about 20 servings. Garnish each with a lemon wedge and a spear with okra and olive. * "Liquid Engineering" name borrowed from City Link Magazine

Funny Beer Commercial of the Week

Know the Issues!

The Beer Mapping Project

This is the coolest freakin' thing since the Summerians invented fermentation!

Instructions:Slice English muffins in half. Scoop out ½ of the bread on the bottom portion. Fill with two oz ground beef that has been tossed with Samuel Adams Boston Lager. Place on sheet pan upside down (on meat side) to brown meat for 3 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Remove from oven and top meat with cheese and thinly sliced pickles and top of English muffin. Heat in oven for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from heat and skewer with tomato. Serve immediately.

Want to learn more about cooking with Samuel Adams beers and Food & Beer pairings? Head to www.samueladams.com and go to "Food & Beer" and start exploring.

Craft Beer Radio Podcast

The Beer Report

The Good Beer Show

Beer Safari

Big Foamy Head Podcast

Should I Drink That? Brewcast

Beer School

Beer Song Videos

Tap into Beer Books @ Oxford University Press

Tap into the Art and Science of Brewing by Charles Bamforth

Get Schooled!

Say you want to become as edumacated as The Beer Geek. Just sayin'... ya never know! The best place I've found to get some good old fashion book learnin' about all things beer - BeerBooks.com Check 'em out!
This too is an unpaid endorsement.

Toast those who have left us

About this Beer Geek

Eli is a writer. It's what he is as much as what he does. He loves cheese - and beer - in all its various forms. Eli has written extensively for the Rocky Mountain Brewing News, Honest Cooking, Examiner, and is the author of Confessions of a Beer Geek.

Confessional Followers

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